Apology

Hello All!

I just want to apologize for being gone from here for so long. I hope to have content to post soon. Our daughter who was renting a home had someone place a for sale sign in her yard; come to her door and ask is she knew the place was being sold.

She found that the owner had been pocketing the rent money they were paying to the rental agency. The home went into default of course. The agency never kept them up to date on what was happening. She would have to call them. Recently she found out it's going into auction on Aug. 15th. So we've been scrambling to find her a home.

Praying something comes through soon. Plus other issues have been happening as well which keeps me on the road a lot and running like crazy. Praying it all comes together soon all the way around. Thanks for your patience. You all are so wonderful. Hope this finds everyone doing well. God Bless and have a beautiful rest of the week!

Strong Enough to Bend

This came from a post on Face Book under "Whispers of God:"

Thought for the Day: “God created the oak tree, which grows tall, straight, and strong. He also created the palm, which bends and sways in the changing winds. We need to learn to adopt the traits of both so we can be strong yet flexible – so we can weather the storms of life yet not break when life’s winds blow too hard.” Have an awesome day today everyone! –Elmer Laydon

This reminded me of a song sung by Tanya Tucker; "Strong Enough to Bend."

There's a tree

Out in the back yard;

That never has been broken by the wind.

And the reason it's still standing;

It was strong enough to bend.

That is exactly what we need to do. Stand strong, able to bend with the storms and allow the Lord to be in control. HE'S not going to let us snap. Not when we put our trust in HIM.

Be strong in HIM. Let HIM make you strong enough to bend.

Looking at Churches

Have you heard of "shopping for churches"? That is exactly what my husband done when he first accepted Christ. He wanted to check out churches before even stepping in one. At first I thought, that is just weird and wrong. But I am so thankful he done so. I was also a little miffed at first that he wouldn't check out the church that our son & I were attending at the time. But, God does know best. Not to mention, my husband is the leader of the home.

We are in a church where the Pastors talk of God, the Bible, and what direction we need to be going. They lead us by the Word and not by worldly ways. They even warn of following worldly ways. We are blessed to be in a church that isn't more concerned about numbers; meaning money and the amount of people attending. Okay, let's back up, they are concerned about the amount of people, but not as just numbers, but the amount of people being fed, being saved. Their goal is to draw in as many as possible to follow the Word of God, not to be the best, most popular church. Not to outdo other churches. Not to make a name for themselves.

What brought all this up? I came across an article from mega church Pastor Brady Boyd. He asked a good question. Are churches becoming more like "fast food restaurants?" If you are in one that feels more like a place that doesn't really care about the walk with Christ you are in; then perhaps it's time to shop around for a church that is what a church is suppose to be; which is another post coming. To read the article mentioned, here is the link. I found it quite interesting, and hope that you do as well.

Be blessed with joy, peace, love and prosperity.

Words Given

I love hearing the voice of God. Learning more and more to wait upon His voice. Impatience doesn't cut it when you need to hear from Him.

This morning while driving back home after dropping my grand daughters off at school; I was thinking of how often times I become crabby. I don't like being that way. Getting upset with drivers that take chances drives me nuts. Why? So I started to pray. During that time, I said, "Lord, I want so much to be more Christ Like." I got the image that I often do of Christ walking among the people filled with the Fruit of the Spirit. How loving and caring He was. How gentle He was.

Then I said, "It's so hard being a human at times." He spoke to me and said, "It wasn't meant to be easy for you. You have to be strong and fight."

I contemplated those words then it hit me. If it was easy for us, we would become weak. If we become weak, we are sitting ducks for the enemy to come in and steal our souls. We were meant to be warriors, not weaklings letting life take control of us. We need to stand strong and fight for what we believe in.

How do we gather more strength? By reading the Word daily. Believing what it says, and speaking it out. By praying daily. If we ignore the message that He gave us through the prophets, if we don't pray, we are missing out on what God has planned for us. We can't grow in strength if we don't get filled with His Word. We can't expect help if we don't cry out to Him.

Yes, He knows our every need, but He wants us to have a close relationship with Him. He wants us to come to Him with our needs. Cry out to Jesus. Let Him know what is on your mind, what is on your heart and let Him be your guide.

I've learnt over and over again, that we "cannot" do it on our own. When we let God, life is so much better. When we try to do it on our own, life becomes a mess. I've caught myself thinking, "why is everything so chaotic again. Good grief, isn't this enough?" Then I stop and realize, I've been trying to do it all on my own. I've been trying to fix all the problems and not handing it up to Him. When I let go of the mess and say, "Lord, I thank You that You have a hand in this situation. I thank You that You are in control, for I am unable to deal with this," everything starts to settle down. The stress level lessens greatly, I can think again, and can function as one should.

So with all that said, I'll leave you with some Scriptures.

2 Chronicles 7:13-14: If I close the sky so there is no rain, or if I command the grasshopper to consume the land, or if I send pestilence on My people, 14 and My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.

Psalm 121: I raise my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? 2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. 3 He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber. 4 Indeed, the Protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep. 5 The Lord protects you; the Lord is a shelter right by your side. 6 The sun will not strike you by day, or the moon by night. 7 The Lord will protect you from all harm; He will protect your life. 8 The Lord will protect your coming and going both now and forever.

Psalm 6:9-10: The Lord has heard my plea for help; the Lord accepts my prayer. 10 All my enemies will be ashamed and shake with terror; they will turn back and suddenly be disgraced.

Matthew 10: 32-39: "Therefore, everyone who will acknowledge Me before men, I will also acknowledge him before My Father in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father in heaven. 34 Don't assume that I came to bring peace on the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I came to turn a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36 and a man's enemies will be the members of his household. 37 The person who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; the person who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38 And whoever doesn't take up hos cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. 39 Anyone finding his life will lose it, and anyone losing his life because of Me will find it.

Matthew 17:20-21: "Because of your little faith," He told them. "For I assure you: If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. 21 However, this kind does not come out except by prayer and fasting."

Luke 11:1-4: He was praying in a certain place, and when He finished, one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples." 2 He said to them, "Whenever you pray, say:

Father,

Your name be honored as holy. Your kingdom come.

3 Give us this day our daily bread. 4 Forgive us our sins,

for we ourselves also forgive everyone in dept to us.

And do not bring us into temptation. (CBSV) (Remember, Luke was different with the Lords prayer than Matthew.)

Luke 22:32: But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. and you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.

Romans 8:26: In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with unspoken groaning's.

Romans 12:12: Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-22: Rejoice always!

17 Pray constantly.

18 Given thanks in everything.

19 Don't stifle the Spirit.

20 Don't despise prophecies,

21 but test all things. Hold on to what is good.

22 Stay away from every form of evil.

Isaiah 56:7: I will bring them to My holy mountain and let them rejoice in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be acceptable on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.

Philippians 4:6-7: Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

What if His people prayed by Casting Crowns

What if we all took a stand and prayed? What if we stood up to the handful of people that want to take God out of the Constitution, out of schools, etc? What if we stood up and said, "NO MORE!" What if we all started praying? Think of all the possibilities if we all took a stand together and started praying for our great nation, for the world! Our nation, our country, the world, God depends on it! He wants us to be a praying nation. Let's show Him we really care. Let's show Him we want Him to bring heaven down to earth. Let's show Him we don't want Satan to take another victim. Let's fight for one another and tell Satan NO! Let's fight for what is right. Let's not let those few consumed with darkness take over. Let's not let them have a voice that takes away the good that we so desperately need in our lives. Instead, let's pray that they too will come to see the light and brought out of their darkness and seek His face.

Pray! We all count on one another to pray. You can pray where ever you are. To say you don't have time isn't true. You can pray any time. In the shower, driving your car, sitting in an office, walking, standing in line, on the toilet. It doesn't matter where you are, or what you are doing, you can take time to pray. It doesn't have to be a long lengthy prayer. Just a couple of words sometimes is sufficient. He knows what we want and what we need, but He wants to hear it come from us. He wants a constant close relationship with us. Talk to Him, be in constant contact with Him. Read aloud a Scripture or true and personalize it, saying you believe that His word is true, and you trust Him to keep His promises.

Pray as if today is your last. Pray like there is no tomorrow. Pray like never before. Simply pray. Let's call upon the Lord to restore us and our great nation. Let's stand and call heaven down to earth.

P R A Y !!!

Who You Are

First off, just want to Praise the Lord for bringing some huge break through's through some very dark trials. I'm relieved my husband's season seems to be coming to an end! Hallelujah! It's been a long tough trial, but all is good, for now he has a good testimony to share with many.

My mind was brought to saying a few things on beautiful us. I know I've posted many a time about this subject, yet was brought to talk on it again. I see so many beautiful people struggle with who they are. I went through it and know how it feels. I still resort back to my insecurity at times. The enemy does know our weaknesses, so we must always be on guard.

It breaks my heart to see such beautiful, inspiring people go through life feeling worthless, ugly, rejected, and the list can go on and on. My word to you is, you are beautiful no matter what people may say. Unfortunately of the flesh, people can be very cruel. They themselves that are speaking harshly or giving nasty looks may be insecure with themselves or angry with life. Don't take it to heart. There is one thing you need to remember: Psalm 139:14: I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made, marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.

Hang on to that Scripture! You are who you were meant to be. He made you to be beautiful, wonderful you. When you look down on yourself, you are looking down on Him. Remember that. That is what got me past my insecurities. When I look at myself and think; "you are pathetic, your so stupid or ignorant, look at you, you look pathetic!" And on and on it goes; I stop and say, "Forgive me Father. I am who you made me to be. I thank You for that. I love who You made. Give me the strength to believe and follow by Your ways and Your desires." The insecurities came from years of degrading by many. Always being told I was stupid, ugly, worthless, wouldn't amount to anything etc, etc.

Don't shun your creator for who He made you to be. We all make mistakes. Not one of us is perfect. Nor are we to judge one another. So someone doesn't act the way you feel is right. Someone is heavy set, or too thin. They don't dress properly. They have too many tatoo's. They wear their make too heavy. Pray for them instead of condemning them. What difference does it make. They are who they are. You only have to take care of you and if you are a parent, your children as well.

When you look down on yourself, and you portray that image to your children, they are more apt to feel ridiculous to themselves as well. Unfortunately I did not know the harm I was bringing to my kids. I pray they can get past their ill feelings about themselves and the curse be broken. Being in that darkness of self denial is no place to be. We have so much to offer. We all have a purpose, we all have a design, we all have been given gifts to help others.

So lets all take a step off that pity party, gloomy ride down into the pit. Let's take a stand and say no more! We will not stand for listening to negative words! We are beautifully and wonderfully made! I am proud of who I am, for I am a daughter/son of the God most high. He made me who I am today. I will stand beside Him and let Him lead me, not others.

May the Glory of the Lord surround you with peace. May His love for you shine through to others. May you be lifted and filled with His strength and knowledge. If you haven't accepted Christ into your life yet, I challenge you to do so. Believe me, you won't regret it. Perhaps some day I will get my husband to write his testimony on here of what coming to Christ has done for him. He was insecure as well with himself. Thank Your Lord for taking that from him and making him a godly man that hungers and thirsts for You and made him a loving family man!

Be blessed everyone. Hold your head up, but not in a prideful, boastful manner. Walk forward keeping your eyes focused on Him. Do not let the ways of the flesh/world tear you down, for that is the enemy. The Lord does not condemn, only the enemy does that.

What a Glorious Day!

I'll never be the same since returning to Christ! It is a glorious day. Jesus is alive!!!

Great Resurrection Piece

Happy Easter to Everyone! Hope you have a wonderfully blessed day.

A wonderful woman I know has written a piece on the resurrection of Christ. You can go here: http://lifesolovelee.wordpress.com/2011/04/22/for-a-thief-and-me-a-good-friday-indeed/ to read it.

A Testimony that will Knock Your Socks Off!

This is a testimony to God's grace, faithfulness, love, mercy, and of never forsaking us. All the Glory is His and His alone!

It all started back on Palm Sunday 2007. Actually Oct. 2006, when unbeknownst as to why, I quit drinking and smoking, just like that. A month later our son and my husband quit as well. Shortly after, our son purchased, (I know for some this is a repeat, but it leads up to today's testimony), A Purpose Drive Life Book and workbook for the three of us. By Palm Sunday, four years ago, Rick chose to give his heart to Christ and we attended church at Capital Christian Center. We haven't turned back since.

Rick was a non-believer, Jason and I were prodigals. Thank You Lord for rescuing us!

This past late October, 2010, something changed in Rick. He became a man none of us recognized. We were all very concerned. He became distant, detached, negative, he just was not the man I knew. I felt he was losing faith in Christ. He said he wasn't, but was very distant.

One day this year, about Feb. he told me he was struggling with things. He felt he could not be in a room with "stuff." He wanted a place that had nothing on shelves, counters, tables etc. It had to be organized, with nothing! I thought, oh my, I'm losing my husband. An instant panic set in, but then the Lord took back control. I told him to talk to his doctor as this was obviously a mental condition that needed to be addressed.

His doctor tried a medication that seemed to work great, but eventually set him into a deeper depression that made him more detached from us. He wasn't able to concentrate, interact with anyone, be around the grandchildren or our family. He took to the bed, never wanting to interact.

Finally I convinced him to go back to his doctor, who then took him off that medication and started a new one. This worked out great at first as well, but then soon had him back in the bed, falling asleep at the wheel, very despondent, tired all the time, not eating, not going to church--which he hadn't attended for almost 3 months. I kept asking him to talk to his doctor again.

During this time, I kept going to church and group, asking for prayer, never giving up even when I felt I couldn't go on like this, family problems were arising with many family members, all of it becoming overwhelming. But I kept praying and surrounding myself with good Christian women. I knew I couldn't give up the faith.

Our son was angry and frustrated. He's dealt with schizophrenia for years and back and forth with his believing, back to drinking on occasion, smoking off and on. Our daughter struggling with her depression and having a severe case of gastroparesis, not able to keep anything down, our grand daughters dealing with anger issues, an autistic step-grandson, our other step-grandson dealing with depression, our youngest grandson dealing with bowel problems, my little sister having no medical insurance with a tumor on her brain and some on her spine, causing great pain, severe headaches, problems with vision, not being able to think and cope, and problems too personal to talk about with Rick's family. All at once time. But I knew in my heart that God had a purpose in all this and kept thanking Him that good would come of it all, to give me the strength to carry it through.

There were times when I cried out, "Why?! Why are You letting this happen? I know You say You will never give us more than we can handle Lord, but how much more?! I don't think I can take much more! Please Lord, bring us some relief." Well during this time He gave me a vision of kneeling beside the bed while Rick slept and praying for him. But I didn't do it. I was scared, I didn't know what to pray.

But the Lord being ever so faithful, puts the right people at the right time in our presence. Thanks to Pastor Bob, Pastor Carolyn, sisters Leida, Bonnie, and Judy, I was given Scriptures to pray and keep pronouncing over him. I found that I was hounding him about faith instead of lifting him up, thanks to the testimonies given me on this very subject. I knelt beside that bed at night and prayed, I kept standing on those Scriptures and thanking Him that this would pass that He had a hand in all this and would take care of it. I handed it up to Him whole heartedly, knowing that only He could take care of this situation.

Rick started to pull out of it slowly.

Jason through this time found a sweet girl, who recently gave herself back to the Lord. Jason and her will be going back to church this Easter Sunday! Praise the Lord!

I finally called my little sister who I avoided as I did not want to be a downer with all she was dealing with. She was doing better, the pressure was being released!

Amanda has pulled out of some of her depression and finally got Julia in to see a psychiatrist. A good one who is willing to listen to her and did not diagnose her with anything and put her on medication right away. Instead, he wants to get to know the situation better! There family may seek family counseling if need be. Praise be to God!

Julia was recently baptized and has been amazing me with her knowledge of Christ. She's growing by leaps and bounds in the Lord!!! She loves to read the Bible. She recently sat with me one night and told me the true meaning of Easter. I didn't realize she had learned that. Praise be to God!

Our daughters family is finally coming together!

Palm Sunday, I was getting ready for church and reminded Rick it was our 4th anniversary of attending church at CCC. I could tell he was looking for a way out of going. He said, I'll maybe go to second service. I looked at him, punched my right fist into my left hand and said "Fight back! Fight back! You know the enemy is trying to keep you from going." He sat there for a moment with a pained look, then said, "Well, are you going to be ready on time?" Hallelujah! He was going to church.

What took place at church that morning is a testimony to what our Pastors Ken and Krist have been feeding us the past several weeks. After service, Rick was surrounded by great men of the church. His brothers, who never gave up hope, who were my strength and encourager's through this dark period, who kept the faith that Rick would return. Rick told them that he feared they would look down on him for being so week. What they said, just lifted us so.

"We are your brothers! We are here to hold one another up during our trials and tribulations. We will never turn our backs on you. We are here to lift you up! If you start floating too high, we will pull you back down. ;)" Now that, people, is what a church family truly does. We are there to hold one another through the good and the bad. We do not forsake one another as Christ never forsakes us. We love on one another, give support, help, be strong for one another. We don't walk away because someone stumbles and falls. No; in stead we walk right beside them, encouraging them. I am so thankful to be a part of such a good family in His house.

Rick is back in step with God, his faith and love for him stronger than ever. He's back to being a leader of the family! Hallelujah! Our relationship is stronger than ever. He has been driving a vehicle on it's last leg, which I was really concerned about, as it was not safe to be driving. We both kept praying for a way to get him a good vehicle. Monday it happened, he was able to purchase the vehicle of his dreams. Praise the Lord!

We have so much to be thankful for. Gone are the worries of whether Rick was going to pull through his darkness. And oh, btw, Rick is no longer on any of the anitdepressants! Hallelujah! Gone are the worries of whether or not our son would ever find peace in life. Gone are the worries over whether our grandkids and daughter would ever find happiness and be able to put their family back together (mind you, they have a long way to go, but we know they will get there and find their way back to the Lord as well. Gone is the concern as to whether or not my little sister would live.

We are still facing some ugly times in life with other family members still struggling as well as friends, but we now are able to stand strong together as a unit in belief that God has it in the palm of His hands and a greater testimony will come of it all as well. That weight of it all, the sadness of it all has dissipated with the knowledge that good will prevail through it all. God loves us no matter what and will be there to pick us up when we truly believe in Him and call out to Him.

Instead of walking away from your brothers and sisters in Christ thinking that they will think less of you, surround yourself with them. What really amazes me is how the Lord will make sure one of us is surrounded by the right people and given the strength to stand strong while your partner is going through a tough time. If it had not been for the strength of the Lord, I'd hate to think of what may have happened.

I was put in the right groups at the right time at church being fed the exact right words at the right time. I was surrounded by the right people with the right Scripture and uplifting words and the exact testimonies I needed to arm myself and to learn my wrong doings through it all. Through it all, the words shared to me and the lessons learned that I knew were to be passed on to Rick made all the difference in the world. Through those words given and the lessons taught, it slowly brought Rick out of the darkness and back into the light and then Glory to God, the rest all just started happening, bringing more light into each day!

I know in my heart that many more great testimonies from many will be told as we head into Easter. This is the week of Easter, with great things happening. Open your hearts to His great love. He is an all merciful, loving, faithful Father. Never let go of that belief. Be filled with His grace, for it is by His grace alone that we will survive. My prayer is that you will be blessed greatly by our testimony of His great love and this testimony reaches out to many that may be or will go into a dark time. Never give up on Him, as He never gives up on us. He's always there with open arms, wanting us to come back. Grace, Grace, Grace. Peace be with you all! God's blessings abundantly to everyone of peace, joy, love, good health and prosperity.

Check This Out

Great Granny Grandma is a wonderful woman with a passion for the Lord. The following is a post I feel everyone should read. It's a confirmation for me, as our Pastor spoke of the earth suit and soul. Go here: http://atfootofcross.blogspot.com/2011/04/smoke-in-cockpit.html to read the post.

Be Careful What You Ask For

Lately I've been feeling overwhelmed with all I really need to take care of; well what I feel I need to take care of anyhow. I know there is no need to feel that way, but sometimes we focus on the somewhat trivial things. So yesterday while talking with hubs about how I have so much jumbled, mumbled mess going through my head, I decided to pray about it. I asked the Lord to please provide time to "get caught up on those things I've been behind on."

Well He gave me time alright, but not the kind I was hoping for. I was blessed with my daughter informing me I did not need to pick up any kids today, as unfortunately two of them are home sick. :( So that took away a big portion of running today. But, I also missed another group session, which the topic is so good and important. Plus, I've been going to get groceries for a week now, and still have not made it; and still wont.

My cold seemed to be getting better until yesterday, which was more of just a nagging irritating cough. This morning I woke up to chest and sinus congestion. Growl! I haven't done anything, as I'm very week, tired, just out right exhausted. I try to get up and do something & I feel like I'm going to drop.

When I finally took a shower--and as many of you know, this is where I receive a lot of insight, is in the bathroom--I realized; okay, it was revealed to me, that I prayed a general prayer. But, then again, was it? For I realized then and there, that I was weakened in order to spend time in the Word, which I've for some ridiculous reason have not done yet. He had another plan for me.

I asked for time to get caught up!

He gave it to me. Instead of working on the house, I'm to be spending time in HIS Word. Am I disappointed? NO! Not by any means. As HE comes first anyhow. So my day was partially wasted trying to recoup; but in the end, it will not have been wasted, as I'm going to do as HE had planned for me.

The lesson here is to always when praying, be specific. If you pray for something in general, chances are, He will take you in a different direction, not always in a good one like He did with me. Pray specifically. A more appropriate prayer would have been: "Lord, you know my struggles. You know I have a hard time being organized and finding time to do what I feel I need to be doing. My house needs a thorough cleaning, I have a garage sale to prepare for, I have a room that is full from all the moves, a garage that needs reorganizing and cleaned out. Please provide adequate time for me to accomplish these tasks when you deem right."

See the difference. It covered the areas that is driving me nuts. Time is not very ample for me by any means. But it's all good. He is always faithful. He always listens. It's just that His plans for us may not be the same things we want. Some of you may say, "Well He already knows our needs and wants, so why would you have to be specific?" Because He wants a relationship with us. Because He wants us to take it to Him. He wants us to talk to Him like you would your parents, siblings, best friends etc. Tell Him what is exactly on your heart/mind. He listens, He answers--not always in the manner we ask for--but He knows what is best for us. He's faithful, loving, kind, and wants what is best for us. Trust Him, ask specifically, and believe He will answer. If you doubt Him, then don't expect your requests to be answered. BELIEVE! TRUST!

Mothering Styles - FamilyEducation.com

Mothering Styles - FamilyEducation.com

What's Your Mothering Personality?

I'm a "Giving" Mother! (Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving) Quiet and unassuming in my devotion, I am responsive to my children.s needs, offering behind-the-scenes love and support. What's your mothering personality type? Take the MotherStyles quiz at FamilyEducation.com!

His Gifts

I've often asked myself, "why is this person able to do this, and that one able to do that, but I so struggle and wonder if I'll ever be able to..."

Today while sitting in group watching a video, I looked up and glanced across the room and looked at a very dear friend. She took on a whole different look. She was radiant, a princess just beautiful as could be. I saw this vision and heard, she has a special anointing, I have great plans for her. I sat there in awe.

The Lord has given me several beautiful visions. They don't come often, but when they do, they are so vibrant and beautiful a majority of the time, only a couple of times did I receive dark visions. I knew I needed to share with her what I was given. That was a lesson learnt a while back when I was given a message and didn't share it.

After the video, we had discussion and some of the ladies, had been given Scriptures. Then prayer requests were taken and a couple of people gave me a Scripture. Then another. I was elated at the time, being armed with just the right Scriptures and filled with great hope.

Then I got home and sat in my prayer closet and pondered, why it was that there were those that are often given Scripture. Then I started to condemn myself for not having been an avid Bible reader for so long. Now I'm on track, but am so far behind from where I should be. Then it came to me. He said, "I give everyone different gifts for a reason. You have a gift of vision, they have a gift of Scripture."

I'm alright with it all now. So now when someone is so good in an area of Christianity, I'll be able to accept the fact that I lack that ability. It's by God's choice. I so love having that gift from God. The visions are amazing, and it's so wonderful to see the affect for the people that are meant to receive them, or to be able to share with many when it involves a multitude of people. What ever other gifts I've been given, I look forward to receiving.

So if you ever wonder, "Why is that person so capable of this or that, but I just can't seem to get it;" remember, it's by God's desire for you that you receive your own special gifts, and don't worry about not having what others have. We all have a special purpose, chosen by our great Heavenly Father. It doesn't make you any less of a person. We are all special in the eyes of the Lord.

One final note. I do not post every day, nor very often most the time, as I wait until I have a message I've been given to share. I could write a bunch of jibberish just to have something to write daily, but I wait until He's given me something to share. A testimony or a lesson as this is where I have been led.

I wish blessings abundant over you all.

Are You Doing Enough?

This morning while listening to KTSY, a message of giving came on. I've heard it before, but not like I did today.

The husband was talking about how another couple was housing some homeless people. He felt he needed to do the same utilizing their garage. His wife reminded him that they only had a car port. He then said they could utilize their back yard to feed the homeless. His wife reminded him that their fence was basically right outside their back door. She also told him that he was already giving to others. It didn't matter how big or how small. That the little things matter just as much as the big things.

Still he felt that he wasn't doing enough, that he had to do it big as well.

Do you ever feel like you aren't doing enough? I know I have many a time and I'll start volunteering for this and that and start to stretch myself too thin. I keep thinking, "We are meant to give of ourselves and nothing is too big for the Lord." But He comes a long and reels me back in. He'll do something that makes me slow down.

So today, it was the perfect timing. It hit home. We don't have to push ourselves until we can't go any longer. We don't have to keep up with those that you feel give all and you aren't doing enough. I kept thinking about our Pastors and the staff of our church and how they keep giving and giving and giving. There are times you know they are dog tired, but they keep going. They keep giving. I kept telling myself, this is exactly what we are suppose to do.

But, and this is a big but; He wants us to do it His way, not our way, not the way of others. This is where many of us fall short. We keep trying to do what we think is the right way. Or we try to imitate what others are doing. That's when He steps in and says, "I'm going to stop you and you need to listen to Me." If we still don't listen, He'll make it even harder for us, and will continue to do so until He gets our attention.

I often think, "Man, He has to be sitting up there thinking, where did I go wrong with her? She is so stubborn!" But I know He loves us so much, that He never gives up on us. So we must hang on to that and do our best. All we need to do is get quiet and LISTEN! Let Him be our guide. Let Him tell us what it is we are suppose to do.

You know I may never get it right, but I'm sure going to try harder to take that time daily, in the morning to invite Him in and ask Him to guide me through the day into the next day. I'm going to ask Him, "Daddy, what is it you want me to do today? Please guide me through every task that is set before me. Father, I'm yours, use me as you wish." This is what I don't do enough of. I have those good days where my mind functions and I remember. Then there are those days that my day starts out hectic because I just couldn't get up in the morning to take that special time. So then I think, I'll do it later. Then later comes and I'm "busy."

We should never be too busy for the Lord. When you face a day like that, remember that no matter what you are doing, where you are, you can still talk to Him. I carry on a constant conversation with Him throughout the day, mostly thanking Him, but I don't ask Him to lead me. So now is the time to pray for a clearer mind, one that remembers, one that isn't muddled with "stuff."

I'd love to hear from any of you with ideas of how you overcome the obstacles of every day life, and how you came to a time in your life when listening came natural. I pray for peace, joy, love, wisdom, and prosperity for all. God Bless

Recycling Automobiles Program

Good day everyone. I had a gentleman e-mail me asking to post about a program that I have personally checked out. It is a great idea. I'm hoping you will join me in prayer that this program continues to be successful and will continue to grow. I'm happy to share this program as I truly believe in it. This is the information sent to me.

Go green and give with Giveacar

When you think of charitable giving, there are some common images that come to mind. Bake sales, donating your clothes to a charity shop, and getting sponsored to do anything from running to handstands to climbing a mountain may be a few. All of these are valuable ways to show the compassion that Jesus told us to show, and give something back to someone who has less than us.

Yet, there is another usually unexplored avenue to go down when it comes to charitable giving that also has added benefits for the environment. You may think of recycling cans, paper, and glass, but what about donating and effectively recycling your car?

Modeled on US organisations such as CharityCar.us, Giveacar was established in the UK in 2010 to facilitate the donation of scrap cars. They don’t only take cars, they also take vans and have recently started to take motorcycles. They provide a free and easy service that facilitates the vehicle donation through their subcontracted car collection agencies.

Donating your car through Giveacar means that you’re not only helping the environment by taking cars that heavily pollute from the road, you’re also keeping your car out of the hands of rogue traders who may put it back on the road unlawfully. Scrapping your car through an Authorized Treatment Facility also ensures that materials such as oil and brake fluid are disposed of safely and don’t leach into our soil and water.

All it takes is one phone call to organize the free and easy collection of your car. Depending on the age and condition of the vehicle, it is either sent to a scrap yard- Giveacar only uses Authorised Treatment Facilities- or sent to a car salvage auction. Any of the proceeds made from this, minus a small administrative cost, are donated to the charity of the owner’s choice. Giveacar has raised over $400000 since January 2010, and it works with over 250 charities, including Christian charities such as Youth for Christ, Retrak and Toybox.

Let it Stick

This morning I decided to go through my notes and look up the Scriptures given us during church last night. I've been going to do this, yet never really did. But this morning was led to it.

Many things have happened/changed in the past few weeks. I don't know how to put it into words, but the Lord has a hold of me in a major way. Praise the Lord! Since then, things keep coming that continues to teach.

1 Timothy 6:17-19

17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.
18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,
19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

18 Is a Life Lesson in the "Life Principles Bible, by Charles F. Stanley." This is what he has to say:

God blesses us financially not simply so that we can spend His blessings on ourselves, but so that we can use the resources he gives us to help others and to expand the kingdom of God.

This really hit home! We aren't rich by any means, but we do well. We do try to give as much as possible and bless those that are less fortunate, but I realized that if I change my ways, we can probably do more.

I had a spending problem and have gotten much better about it. A person diagnosed with bi-polar; one of the symptoms is spending excessively. It hadn't gotten that bad, thanks heavens, but was close enough.

When looking back I realized that I took the way we grew up to the extremes. Because I was teased constantly, told we were poor people and I wouldn't amount to anything, I would stress over what we didn't have according to the "rich city kids" that seemed to have it all.

I so wanted to dress like them thinking it would make a difference. Therefore, jealousy took control of me.

Song of Solomon 8:6
...Jealousy as cruel as the grave; it's flames are of fire, a most vehement flame.

Ouch! If only I had known the depths of my feelings back then. Once I started working, I bought what I could, always broke shortly after pay day. I made sure I paid my car payment, but would run short of gas, and felt lucky that my parents owned a store with a gas station. I would write down what I pumped, but wouldn't necessarily pay it.

The funny thing is, even though I was getting the clothes and accessories I wanted, it didn't make me more popular, I still was teased and put down. I resorted to drinking and other things thinking that would help me fit in. Instead, I was mocked all the more.

If only I had really known the Lord then. I went to church every weekend with my grandmother. I received my first communion, went through confirmation, but still did not know what it was like to know the Lord. (I was Catholic at the time).

Now I realize that it wouldn't have mattered what I did outside of becoming a "jock" or "cheerleader" (which I did try out for), but couldn't do that stuff, as I just wasn't cut out for sports. I was clumsy. Taller than most, skinny and a klutz! But more than that, I was dealing with prideful people that came from prideful families. If only...

Proverbs 13: 10

By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom.

Proverbs 16:18

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

I carried that out through my adult life, looking for acceptance. Wanted to feel wanted and needed. I joined the Air Force wanting to do a job that helped people. I needed that feeling of being needed. I became a firefighter. I loved my job despite having to prove myself.

Now what was the difference? I went through school trying to prove myself and hated it. But now I was enjoying the challenge? The difference was I was out to prove that women had what it took to be in a mans world. It was a huge challenge, and it was a challenge I wanted to take head on. It took work, but some of us persevered!

I had friends, but not necessarily in the manner one should have friends. I was still spending to try to keep up with the crowd. I would fall short every two weeks and would not have money to eat, and ended up borrowing. It never set in. I was embarrassed with having to borrow from my supervisors, but none-the-less, still had to try and be popular.

Then I met my husband. I got pregnant, and got out of the military as he too was a fire fighter. Two in the F.D. raising a family just wasn't a good mix. I wanted to make sure our kids had the best of everything. But with one income, it just wasn't happening. I would get depressed and go shopping.

Eventually, my husband was tired of fighting me over money and sent the kids and I packing. We got back together in a couple of weeks after a friend shared a book with him on spending. It said what he felt.

I tried, but because there was a lot missing in life (to me) I would get depressed and spend. I was jealous of my husband, had very little self respect, had great friends, but didn't realize it as I was so insecure.

Proverbs 13:5
...But a wicked man is loathsome and comes to shame.

I loathed my life, and loathed those that looked down on me. I became an alcoholic looking for something more in life. Always looking in areas that didn't have the answers. Not seeking where I needed to go. On occasion I would think I need to go back to church, the kids need it too. We would go on time and then stop. The reason being is I was so lost and thought people were mocking me.

This went on for years. Finally after my husband left me for the last time, I really started to wake up. I wanted desperately to get past where I was. I wanted to believe in myself. At first, I went off the deep end. Wanted to end my life, but then I was given the picture of our kids and knew I couldn't do that to them. I poured myself into drinking my meals and became prideful in my job.

Psalms 73:6
Therefore pride serves as their necklace; violence covers them like a garment.

I walked so many wrong lines. Was out to destroy those that I thought were judging me and making my life miserable. But instead, I was the one judging them.

Matthew 7:1-5
"Judge not, that you be not judged.

2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.

3 And why do you look to the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?

4 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck in your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye?

5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank form your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brothers eye."

I had to learn to give up spending for sure now, as I had two kids both with baby's on the way and needed to find a place to live. Our daughter was working, and was going to help out. Our son was going through a lot of mental disorders and wasn't able to hold a job for very long. I was scared.

Thankfully after a little over a year, my husband and I found our way back to another. We continued to pour our lives into alcohol thinking that was going to relieve us of our faults, mistakes and misery. Spending, eh, it wasn't nearly as bad, but now I had a grand children to spoil and a wedding to plan for my daughter. I tried to keep it as cheap as possible but wanted my daughter happy.

We got through it all, found a house after living in an apartment for three years. Thank heavens we moved, as we had a bar right behind us. Too convenient. We still kept drinking, with that and the cost of cigarettes, we went through a lot of money that could have been used for better things. Now we both wanted things nice and were spending, but hubby only really saw it as my problem.

Then our son led us to the Lord!!! That was the start of a brand new life. Life has been good since then, but I was still wanting to spoil the grand kids. Our daughter was struggling to make ends meet, so I wanted to "help."

But finally a break through! I was getting better with spending, but coming to this Scripture and the Life Lesson; Hallelujah, my eyes have been opened! As Pastor Krist said last night. I want to be a "giver" not a "taker". Amen!!!

There are so many ways to give. Not just through money, but through giving of yourself. I realize now that I don't have to spend money on my grand kids. I need to love on them, give them security. We've planted the seed, now we need to nurture it. Our grand kids are material kids; especially the youngest grand daughter "has to have" material things.

By using what I've learned, we can in turn share this information at their level of understanding. They love to give, so finding ways for them to give back to others will instill in them the importance of not "wanting" not being takers, but rather being givers. Imagine if we were "all" to find this answer and were to start giving in all ways we have to give, how much better our world would be.

I pray this reaches out to any others that may be struggling with spending, loathing, insecurities, etc. Find solace in the Lord your God. For there will you find real comfort and real leadership.

Remember also, that as you pray, He may not answer right away, as there is a reason. I'm thankful I went through those dark trials, as now I can share what I've learned and hopefully help others who are struggling. After all, He does use things in our lives to help others not just ourselves. Our testimonies are a testimony of His great love and His faithfulness. His timing is always perfect. We just need to learn to be patient and wait upon Him for only He knows when we are ready for the next step. In the meantime; stay in prayer and in the Word. Leave all your troubles to Him.

I was going to apologize for this being so long, but as I started typing, more and more came to me. It's a lengthy posting, but feel it's well worth it. God Bless each and everyone of you. Remember: Love yourself as He loves you, as then you can love on others as we have been called to do.

Why Some may not Believe

While writing up a Bible study for my family from Life Principles Bible by Dr. Charles F. Stanley, I came across the following:

Why do so many people not enjoy God's presence? Because they do not really know Him.

That made me realize that so many out there think that because He can not be seen or touched that He is not real. There are many other reasons used as well, but am thinking this is a big issue, as I've heard others state, "How can you believe in something you can not see?"

Good question. Until you have actually experienced the presence of God, you may never know. I pray for those that are afraid to trust in the unknown, will give God a chance. When you receive the Lord and start enjoying experiences with Him, you end up with no doubt in your mind that He is very much real. It's an experience like none other.

Is the walk always beautiful? No, due to His using difficult times to teaching us, drawing us nearer, and to keep us from taking a wrong path. I've personally experienced the presence of the Lord many, many times, in many various ways. From being saved from what should have been a deadly outcome, to visions, touches and hearing. He lets you know that He is there. You can feel His presence in so many ways.

If one would sit back and think about different situations that should have turned out way different that was out of ones control, and pondered how it did not make any sense, the answer would be your loving Father saved you from that moment in your life.

I challenge you to pick up the Bible and start reading His promises for you. Start reading His love letters to you; as basically it's God telling you how much He loves you and wants to be a part of your life. God wants a personal relationship with you. After all, what do you have to lose?

I know I've said it before, but believe it is worth repeating. What do you have to lose by believing in the Lord your God? Absolutely nothing. If He's real and you believe and follow Him, you will live a wonderful life of eternity with Him. If you don't believe and He's real, you have everything to lose.

Personally, I choose to believe as I know in my heart He is very real. I challenge you to give Him a chance to prove to you that He is real. If you go into this challenge with an open mind and faith, you won't be disappointed. Then get yourself in a good "Faith-based" church that teaches the Holy Bible, not one that has been written to meet the needs of the church, and walk that beautiful walk.

My heart aches for those that are lost. I pray that you will find Salvation in Him and soon. You will not be disappointed. I'm sure glad I came back to Him. It's been a beautiful walk, even during all the trials and tribulations we have been through. I look forward with great joy to meeting more of those trials and tribulations, as each time I grow closer to Him and have a stronger understanding. Often times receiving correction on things I've been doing wrong at just the right time. For you see, God's timing is always perfect, and His love for us is perfect. Imagine having a Heavenly Father who loves you no matter what and never gives up on you. He waits for you with open arms always welcoming you.

Help in Finding Study Materials

While working on a Bible study program for hubs, son, and myself; I came across ideas for obtaining Bible reference materials. For those that can't afford these materials, there are ways of obtaining them free of charge.

There are many helpful sites on-line. Just google search Bible references or Bible study. Also check with your local library or church library if one is available. Another option is to check with your Pastor or church associate or even a friend to see if they have any materials you can borrow.

I hope this helps those that are struggling with finding much needed material in order to gain a better understanding of what the Bible says. If anyone has any other ways of obtaining these materials please share! :)

Thank you and God Bless! May the Lord shine down on you.

What Type of Christian Are You

I love hear the voice of the Lord. I love it when He feeds us such good thoughts. The message He gave me this morning while in my prayer closet really got me to thinking. What truly amazes me--but now as I'm typing this, He is revealing why it happens this way--is that our Pastor has spoke this very message, & it hit home, but now hearing it from the Lord, it has really hit me. He revealed to me just now that this happens as some times the foundation is laid and then when we are ready to really soak it in, He reminds us in another way. Thank You Lord!!!

So the question is, what type of Christian are you? Are you a:

Ritualistic Christian: The type that does things by the numbers. Has to pray at a certain time, read the Bible in a certain fashion, pray a certain way each time. Never letting the Holy Spirit guide you. Never allowing yourself to step out of that comfort zone.

Or a Part Time Christian that attends groups, goes to church and it ends there; or when someone calls upon you, you act out of obligation.

Or a Me Christian: One who does things your way, saying you are living the life the Lord has planned for you, but in the manner you see fit.

Or a Weekend Only Christian: The one who goes to church on the weekend, worships and prays and then walks out the door of the church and turns back to the ways of the world.

Or a When I Have Time To Be A Christian: The one who wants to be a Christian, but only takes the time when you can find the time in your busy schedule.

Or The Rush Through it Christian: Okay, I have time to get in a quick prayer, I'll try to read a little bit of the Bible now and hopefully find time to read some more later. Later comes and you find yourself saying, "I should have made time, but it's too late now, forgive me Father, You know my heart."

Or are you a Full Time Christian: The one who reads the Word, follows what is written, seeks all the time the Kingdom, works hard to be Christ like, to be the person God created you to be. Allows yourself to be led by the Holy Spirit, always seeking what He wants for you to do with each situation.

When this subject was presented to me this morning, I thought, "Oh oh, where have I been failing again Lord? I'm trying hard to be a better Christian, truly I am." But I knew what He was getting at. It saddens me that I haven't put up a bigger fight. That I haven't been more strict with myself. I'm one of those in-betweeners. But mostly that Rushed/Busy Christian.

This is really hard to write, as it is embarrassing, but it is also an awakening that has been a long time coming. First the addiction, now this. I'm just thankful I'm able to hear the convictions and am able to heed them. Praise the Lord! I know I should not be embarrassed, as He uses us to learn and then help others. I pray that when this is read that it does help anyone else out there who may be struggling.

I don't know about you, but I definitely want to reach that Full Time Christian position.

Personally, I want to be that full time Christian, so why isn't it happening? It's because I let the ways of the world/flesh creep in all too easy. It's because I haven't "Disciplined" myself enough to be where I should be to know when the enemy is up to his old tricks, pulling me back in.

So I ask myself, "What is it going to take to stay in the Word, learn His commands, follow His promptings always, be the person I have been called to be?" The answer is simple. "Discipline, and handing ourselves completely over to Him." I know there have been times I "thought" I had done that. But then looking back, it was because I was listening to the lies. I was believing I was being whole hearted, when I wasn't keeping myself in check and waiting upon the Holy Spirit.

What now? It's time to take a stand and tell the enemy, "No More!" Get quiet with the Lord and let the Holy Spirit come and take control. No more--well this is another post, so wont go down that road yet. It's another lesson I heard a couple of days ago but didn't log. I will share that one tomorrow or Monday.

Meanwhile, take time to really do some soul searching. What type of Christian are you? God Bless You.

Desires of the World or the Lord

What do you pursue in life? Do you desire and work for things of the world? Is your focus on getting the things you want? Or do you follow with what the Lord has planned for you?

Here's a little food for thought:

1 John 2:15-17
15 Do not love the world or the things that belong to the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him.

16 For everything that belongs to the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one's lifestyle--is not from the Father, but is from the world.

17 And the world with its lust is passing away, but the one who does God's will remains forever. (CSB)

Are You Like the Pharisee or the Tax Collector

I know I have talked about judgment before, but it is an ongoing struggle with many, to include myself. I found myself today asking, "Lord, am I the only one that struggles with not judging others? Am I the only one that has such a hard time controlling that sin?"

No, I'm not the only one and it is most unfortunate that we in the flesh find ourselves continuing to commit these sins. What can we do? Give ourselves fully to Him and go to Him with a repenting heart. All too often, I'll catch myself (especially while driving) chewing someone out for being an "idiot," or a "fool." Thankfully when my grandchildren hear me iterate those words, they correct me. I'm thankful they have listened to my telling them that calling others names is wrong. God is so good!

The problem being, I go to Him later to pray and have not asked for forgiveness. Most times I do automatically ask Him to forgive me when I've acted out foolishly. But on those times when we don't repent, we are going to Him with condemnation in our hearts.

While reading an article in the "In Touch" Feb. issue through In Touch Ministries, I read "The Prayer that God Hears" by Kevin Goins. In this issue he talked of the Pharisee and the tax collector.

Matthew 23:5 "They do everything to be observed by others;" (talking about the Pharisees).

Luke 18:10-1410 "Two men went up to the temple complex to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 the Pharisee took his stand and was praying like this: 'God I think You that I'm not like other people--greedy, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of everything I get."
13 "But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even raise his eyes to heaven but kept striking his chest and saying, 'God, turn Your wrath from me--a sinner!' 14 I tell you, this one went down to his house justified rather then the other; because everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

Exalt from Dictionary.com
1. to raise in rank, honor, power, character, quality, etc.; elevate: He was exalted
to the position of president.
2. to praise; extol: to exalt someone to the skies.
3. to stimulate, as the imagination: The lyrics of Shakespeare exalted the audience.
4. to intensify, as a color: complementary colors exalt each other.
5. Obsolete . to elate, as with pride or joy.

I use this reference of the Pharisee and the tax collector as it shows the Pharisee going with a heart of pride and condemnation. When we pray with that in our hearts, God will not listen to nor answer our prayers. Today I realized that there are areas where I have judged and not asked forgiveness, where I have not repented.

So when you pray, ask Him if there are areas in your life where you do not have a clear conscious and then when revealed, repent. Then and only then will He hear your prayers. I know I am so grateful for this time I've had to sit quietly, read, seek, listen and hear.

Thank You Lord for Your faithfulness. I pray that we may all come to You with a clear conscious, of a forgiving heart of love, with no pride or condemnation on our hearts. I pray that each person who reads this will receive blessings abundantly in peace, joy, prosperity and grace!

Walk Away or Not

I'm compelled to speak about this subject. When we see someone struggling with a mental disorder, who slips back into darkness, do we walk away? Do we say, I can't do this any more, it's up to them?

I have a question for you if your answer is yes. Does God walk away from His children? Is this what He would want us to do?

We are a blessed people to have a Father in Heaven of whom never forsakes us. When we are down and out, who is there waiting to lift us back up? Who is there to walk us through it?

Now I know we have to stand strong, and be accountable for our own actions, but let me tell you from a first hand experience, when you are dealing with depression and other mental illnesses, it's not just cut and dry. You need people when you are struggling. You need someone to help hold you up.

I know it can be draining on others, but it's a fact of life. If you have someone reaching out to you, don't walk away, or say, "I just can't do this, they are bringing me down," or think, "I just don't have time for this." I have to admit, there are times I find myself reverting to the flesh and thinking, ugh, not now. Then I feel so bad!

Have you ever thought about the fact that when someone is really down, they are reaching out to you, and you either ignore them, or walk away from them what you may be doing to that person?

Now another big question. Can you live with yourself if that person ends up taking their life after they have come to you for support? I know I never could. I know taking ones life is such a taboo thought and that person was pathetic is the words of some. Wake up people! They are our sisters and brothers. Their problems and feelings are very real.

Above all, don't tell them they don't need their medication as it's evil, that it's a curse. It is a real medical problem that none of us can control with our thoughts. Yes, Hallelujah, God can heal us. But until then, those medications may be what saves that persons life. I know, I went off mine by faith, I almost killed myself.

Physicians were put on this earth for a reason. Medications were created for a reason. Don't play God with others lives. Instead, pray for them, ask for guidance for them, and encourage them. Be there for them. Support them. They need us plain and simple. Let God tell them when it is time to come off that medication, not you. He knows what's best. I'm so thankful my husband never walked away from me, as if he hadn't stood by me and prayed, I fear I would not be here today. Had he not insisted I see my doctor and get back on my medication, I probably would not be here today. I went off the medication under the watchful eye of my doctor, so it was done safely.

Sometimes I'm tired, and sometimes I don't want to deal with others problems, and then I remind myself, He doesn't walk away from us, what gives us the right to walk away from them? I will give until it hurts and will even still keep giving. Sacrifices are meant to be. Our sacrifices were small compared to God and Jesus.

May God smile down on you and Bless you abundantly in grace, peace, joy, and prosperity.

His Presence

You're attending the Catalyst Convention and in the middle of worship. You feel His presence strong and mighty and your singing your heart out to him. All of a sudden, you know for sure He's there! With eyes closed you see a bust of Jesus just above us all. He's smiling a huge smile and you know He's happy. Then you hear the words, "I'm pleased with my children."

You speak, "Jesus! Thank you for joining us. We lift Your name on high and sing our praises to You." He's looking down happy!

There are people on both flanks of the stage dancing and you say, "Jesus, come dance with us as we honor You." The next thing you know, He's in the middle of those people from little to adult dancing and laughing. Then you see Him go to the little children and dance with them.

That experience was one of the most beautiful I've ever seen in church. It happened every night, but not the same each night. That was our last night of the conference. What a wonderful way to bring it to an end.

But it didn't stop there. When our Pastor began to speak and sing, there was Jesus speaking instead and angels were surrounding him singing. Many a time when our Pastor has been speaking, instead of seeing him there and hearing his voice, I knew it was the Lord speaking. The voice was not of our Pastor but rather that of what I knew was the Lord.

With that said, many lessons came from this past weekend. As you all have noticed, I don't blog that often, nor do I visit much at all. There is a sad reason for that; one that I've been convicted of for some time, but never heeded those promptings to end what was keeping me from where I was to be.

Right now our lessons are on "Whispers." Learning to hear the voice of the Lord. That first night our Pastors son was speaking. Just before he had us get silent, I hear "Facebook." I knew right away it was another conviction to stop the addiction to the games. Then we get silent and I hear, "follow" knew it meant I needed to start following the Lord. Then I hear "forward" knowing it meant to keep focusing on Jesus. Then I hear "obey" meaning I needed to start heeding His directions. "Seek" meaning to seek His Word on a daily basis. And "heed" meaning I needed to listen when He spoke to me.

Whew! I knew right then and there that I had no choice. Life was going to get ugly if I didn't obey this time. I've known I've had an addiction for some time. My husband and son kept prompting me to walk away. You know it's bad when you push your time limits and it causes you to run late. You know it's bad when you get grumpy because you want to get on and play but can't. You know it's bad when you get angry when interrupted while playing. Then the worst part getting worse with time, you shut out your family and friends, committing all your spare time to FB. Your house goes down hill, your shunning your duties as a daughter, sister, mother, wife, grandmother, and servant.

So I repented, asked for God's forgiveness and guidance. He took a hold of me, Praise be to God, and put me on track that night! The next morning I got on FB and typed out a note to all that I was done, I can't do it, as it is an addiction and addictions are a sin. I asked that if they ever saw me playing that they would remind me of why I quit in the first place.

Since then, I've been in the Word daily! That's a huge fete for me, as I would struggle with knowing I needed it, wanting to read, picking up the Bible, start to read and then get distracted and turn to the computer. At one point, I wanted to pick up my computer and throw it. I knew I was in trouble.

Getting rid of an addiction is so freeing!!! What a beautiful walk it has become. I'm spending time with my family. I'm not grumping at the grand kids, son and husband. I'm getting things done that needed to be done for a long time. I've reached out to family and friends again, and messages are coming to me to share now.

God is good and faithful all the time! We are a blessed people and should never take advantage of that. Imagine if He were to get frustrated with us and walk away from us the way I had my family and friends. Thank You Lord for never giving up on us.

So I will leave you with the following link that has some ways to help you with an addiction or other problem you may face to help you get back on track. Thank you hubs for sharing this with me so that others may receive help as well. http://www.crosswalk.com/spirituallife/11643948

Get quiet with the Lord. Listen for His whispers. Ask for revelation on areas you need to change. Repent for those that are keeping you from seeking and receiving His Word. Be free of anything that may be holding you back from hearing Him. May your walk with Him become stronger every day. May you receive His great blessings for you and His plan for you.

If anyone has an addiction story they would like to share or have written about, please share or leave a link to your story. Support and hearing testimonies of one another is a step forward. God Bless!

Love Your Enemy

Today's message comes from Matthew 5:43-45

43: "You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.

44: But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

45: so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. For He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."

This comes after a conversation with a friend and then coming home and reading this very passage. It inspired me to use our conversation to make a point.

The conversation started out with me talking about my hubby having been sick for over two months now. His first attack was his right shoulder area on his back hurting. His muscles were extremely tight and causing great pain. He went in and the doctor put him on muscle relaxers and pain pills. He was bed ridden the for a few days then seemed to be getting better.

During this time he hadn't been to church but one time. This was a concern. Not to mention his whole being had changed. His coloring was poor. I just kept praying. Shortly after he started experiencing pain in the left side. I found a not the size of a tennis ball at the base of his neck. I kept prompting him to go in and get it checked as I was concerned that it may be a herniated disc. He finally went in and we were shocked with the diagnosis.

While the doctor was checking him out, she found some vertebra's that were very tender further down his back which caused concern. She ordered an x-ray. When she returned with the results, she was shocked as well. He had pneumonia and also told us that he has advanced osteoarthritis. Wow!

So he was kept on the muscle relaxers as his muscles were tight from the pneumonia and the pain pills. I took him off of those, as I could see him going down hill fast. The doc said that the pain medication would keep him from coughing, which he needed to cough to get the junk out. He was bed ridden for a few days again.

But there was something else too. I could tell something just wasn't right. He had only been to church a couple of times. Was despondent often, coloring was poor. Just not himself at all.

After one of the services I talked to a Pastor who is a good friend of ours. I explained all that was going on and he prayed and then mentioned something I never thought about. One of our friends who was a pillar in the church, a godly man by all means who basically was a mentor to my husband had done something shocking to many. It really had an impact on us. We just couldn't believe it. How could a man like this do such a thing?

Well it never occurred to me the full impact it had on hubs. It really brought him down. It affected his faith and all. The illness came at the same time and totally reflected on the illness alone, thinking it all had to do with that.

So I shared with a friend that hubs has been sick and needed prayer as he still is, but also talked without mention of name or situation just the shock that something bad had happened to such an awesome couple.

What she said was profound. "He's a man. We all have our moments when we fall short." She then shared of a church where the Pastor had been with this church for years and one day it was found that he liked pornography. Oh the horror! She was amazed at the congregations reactions. How they just put him down, he needed to be put out of the church. He was labeled. Why? She was wondering why the people weren't praying and lifting him up and helping him overcome that addiction.

This Scripture says it like it is. We are to love our enemies. Except he should not have been viewed that way. He messed up. He had an addiction that should have been approached, prayed about, and received help and support to over come this addiction.

This is where so many of us fall short. Does God walk away from us when we mess up? No! Instead He puts people in our midst to help us become better people. Instead he prods us and urges us to try harder to be better people.

But plain and simple, we are of the flesh. We will have our short falls. So the next time we find ourselves judging someone, ask yourself how you would feel if you were in that person's shoes and were being condemned. Would you deserve that kind of treatment, or would you rather people reach out and try to help you walk through it, over come it and become a better person for it by learning and stopping that problem?

Remember the Scripture: Matthew 7:1-5

1: "Do not judge, so that you won't be judged.

2: For with judgment you use, ou will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

3: Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye but don't notice the log in your own eye?

4: Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out your eye,' and look there's a log in your eye?

5: Hypocrite! First take the log out of your eye and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye."

I'm guilty of judging others at times and am trying so hard to over come that. It's a trait I do not like.

Let the Spirit lead you and guide you. Before reacting to a situation, ask yourself how you would feel if someone responded to you in the way you were thinking of reacting. Let's get better at holding each other accountable for our actions/reactions. None of us are above one another. We are all equal.

Should we hold our leaders accountable? Of course, but with love and understanding just as our Father does with us. When they fall short, remind them, but don't turn away from them. Instead pray for them, give them a reminder in a manner that the Lord leads you to do. If you catch others condemning them, give them a gentle reminder of the proper attitude to have. Have a Christ like attitude! I know I sure want that more than anything.

Let's be the brothers and sisters we were meant to be. Our nationalities, skin color, age, sex, what ever the case doesn't matter. What matters is we are all God's children and should love one another, uphold one another, support one another through the good and the bad. Not just during the good.

Blessings to all of you. May your walk with the Lord be glorious and may we all glorify His great name!